A New Chapter at Big Hickory: Cody Likins Focused on Restoring Pride to Clay County's Golf Course

MANCHESTER — When Cody Likins purchased Big Hickory Golf Club this spring, he wasn't simply investing in a golf course. He was investing in a place that helped shape his life.

For Likins, Big Hickory has always been much more than 18 holes nestled in the hills of Clay County. It's where memories were made with family and friends, lifelong relationships were formed and a passion for the game of golf grew.

Now, as the club's new owner, his mission is to preserve those memories while creating many more for future generations.

"It honestly feels like a blessing," Likins said. "Big Hickory has always been a special place to me, and now I'm in a position where I get to help care for it, improve it and hopefully build it into something even better. That's hard to put into words."

Likins said purchasing the course was never simply a business decision.

"I grew up loving this course," he said. "It's one of those places that means more than just golf. There are so many memories here. Taking over Big Hickory was personal."

That personal connection has fueled countless long days since assuming ownership.

Likins immediately made improving course conditions his top priority, wanting golfers to notice from the moment they pulled into the parking lot that positive changes were taking place.

The greens have received the bulk of the attention through aeration, topdressing, overseeding, fertilization, improved watering practices and daily maintenance designed to produce healthier, smoother and more consistent putting surfaces.

Beyond the greens, work has also focused on tees, fairways, collars and roughs, along with countless cosmetic improvements that many golfers may never notice individually but certainly appreciate as a whole.

"We've tried to make the course look cared for," Likins said. "Little things matter, whether it's keeping areas trimmed, cleaning around sprinkler heads or making sure clippings are blown away from the greens and tees. Those details make a difference."

The improvements haven't stopped with the course itself.

Likins has also worked to create a more welcoming atmosphere by improving communication with golfers, expanding leagues, hosting tournaments and building excitement through social media.

The response has exceeded expectations.

"A lot of people have noticed the work being done," Likins said. "When golfers who have played here for years tell you they can see progress, it motivates you to keep going."

He also welcomes constructive criticism.

"Not everything changes overnight, especially on a golf course," he said. "We listen to what golfers have to say because we want to continue earning their trust and keep moving Big Hickory in the right direction."

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the club's rapid membership growth.

Likins originally hoped to attract around 50 members during his first season. Instead, Big Hickory has already grown to 91 members, nearly doubling his expectations.

"Our goal for 2026 was to have 50 members," he said. "We've already surpassed that, and I think we're going to continue growing."

Looking ahead, Likins has no shortage of ideas.

He plans to continue improving course conditions while expanding tournaments, scrambles, league play and other special events designed to make Big Hickory a year-round destination for golfers of all skill levels.

The clubhouse is also undergoing changes, highlighted by a sports bar that is nearing completion. Likins believes the addition will create a more enjoyable atmosphere for golfers before and after their rounds and become another reason for people to visit the course.

"The sports bar is almost finished, and I think it's going to take the Big Hickory experience to another level," he said. "We're excited and blessed to see what the future holds."

For Likins, however, the vision remains simple.

"We want to make Big Hickory better every year," he said. "We know everything won't happen overnight, but we're committed to doing the work. We want to build excitement, bring in more golfers, take care of the people who already support us and make Big Hickory a golf course this community can truly be proud of."